The move is a clear sign of secessionist intent, mainland newspapers say
Mainland media hit out yesterday at Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's decision to scrap the cross-strait reunification body, saying it was a dangerous sign of the escalation of secessionist activities.
CCTV News, the mainland's highest-rating news programme, dedicated eight minutes - almost one third of its bulletin - to reports on the issue.
After reporting President Hu Jintao's condemnation of Mr Chen's behaviour, the prime-time programme broadcast the entire text of the statement issued by the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office against the Taiwanese leader's action.
The station also aired critical comments from leaders of mainland democratic parties and reactions from people in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
'We'd like to remind Chen Shui-bian not to underestimate the mainland's determination and ability to oppose and curb the powers in favour of the independence of Taiwan,' the news programme said. 'All their words and activities will definitely end in failure.'
Some of the mainland's leading newspapers published editorials yesterday criticising Mr Chen and accusing him of trying to achieve independence for Taiwan.
